USUO's 2016-17 cultural festival shines a spotlight on veterans and active military, focusing on ways our arts community can appreciate and supportthem. As part of this festival, many local arts organizations will present events on military themes and will also provide access for active and separated military personnel to a variety of arts performances. We will also draw attention to veterans’ active art-making as a means of self-expression.

FILM: THE DEER HUNTERWednesday, March 1, 6 pm Salt Lake Community College, Screening Room (1575 S State Street) Three young men face challenges during the Vietnam War and at home. Discussion led by Stephen Williams.

THE LONG WALK COMPOSER PRESENTATIONTuesday, March 28, 10:45 a.m.–noon Dumke Recital Hall, Gardner Hall, U of U Jeremy Howard Beck will discuss the music of the opera with an opera literature seminar. Public is invited to join the class.

HIVEMIND BOOK DISCUSSION: THE LONG WALKTuesday, March 28, 7 pm Art Access (230 S 500 W, #125) Readers of Brian Castner’s memoir The Long Walk will discuss the book with its author. See Hivemind Book Club of SL on Facebook.

KUED DOCUMENTARY: HEALING THE WARRIOR’S HEARTWednesday, April 12, 7 pm Marmalade Public Library (280 W 500 N) PTSD is explored in this KUED production through the prism of the ancient healing traditions that help returning American Indian and non–native soldiers.